Should I make an appointment with the Dr? Still newly diagnosed and not sure what the signs of what an issue is.

[millerag75]

I had a lung infection last week, went to the ER for antibiotics. I had low grade fever, chest pain, and increased SOB. They checked Xrays for pneumonia, wasn't too sure about the right lung and the Dr got a second opinon. The second opinion decided it was a milder infection like bronchitis. They gave me antibiotics and sent me on my way. So its been about 5 days, and today i woke up feel cruddy. I had a lot of housework to do, and i noticed i was sweating much more than normal. I took my temp and it is 99.5, so very low grade fever. However i am still having this jabbing chest pain that comes and goes. Should i be concerned, or finish the last two days of antibiotics then re evaluate?

[evermore]

IMO you should get back to the doctors. Five days into a course you should be feeling better not worse. If you are coughing up sputum try to take a fresh deep cough sample with you to be sent to the lab. You don't say what you have been diagnosed with so I am answering a bit blind here. If I knew what you have I might be able to tell you more.

[millerag75 in reply to evermore]

Bulllous emphysema and ateletasis right now. I'm just learning about keeping the sputum now. Its a fantastic idea. thanks!

[Jessy11]

If you're still feeling unwell I'd go & see the doctor. Maybe you need more abs or a change in meds.

Hope you get better soon 🌹

[millerag75 in reply to Jessy11]

thanks for replying, i hadnt thought about the fact i took my daughter trick or treating the other day and it was cold! I'm still learning how to manage it and learn to use hand sanitizer when i go out, etc.

[Hidden]

Hi I always have spare antibiotics and steriods at home if your infection doesn't clear, and if you are like me can take a few weeks waiting for a while can give the infection time to get a grip again . It sort of comes with time to judge if you wait, a day or two but if I'm in doubt I don't take a break but carry on with the meds. It took a few discussions with my GP many years ago that I was able to manage my own illness and have done for many years so I have every thing I need on a perscription and spares at home . Maybe worth thinking about, being in control helps deal with it

[millerag75 in reply to Hidden]

That is a great idea! I live 50 minutes from my GP because i am a veteran and must use that hospital. I'm sure they would let me do that on that aspect alone!

[Mandy6513]

I would agree with the other members , you should be feeling a lot better by now so go see your gp as you may need an extra few days of antibiotics or a change etc

Always have a sputum sample bottle at home and as soon as you notice the symptoms of an infection starting get a sample off to your gp so they know what they are treating...most of us have had ours tested at some point to see what we respond to best and its not easy getting use to these things happening so dont worry its just best safe than sorry

Hope your feeling better soon

[millerag75 in reply to Mandy6513]

thanks! It did not even occur to me to do that yet, this site is wonderful to get advice!!

[Mandy6513 in reply to millerag75]

I felt alone at the age of 47 with this i cant imagine how your feeling but there are lots of people on here and im sure you will soon come across someone your age.

If you havnt already done it i would suggest having a chat with your gp about getting on a pulmonary rehabilitation group as you will learn lot there but if you need to know anything at all im certain you will find someone on here who will have an answer ...they have helped me a lot.

[millerag75 in reply to Mandy6513]

She actually really, really stressed using my lungs and pushing myself with exercise to keep the disease at bay! I was surprised by hearing that. Do you do pulmonary rehab? What is it like? Yes i am getting used to the idea that these are the cards that life has dealt me, it happened at the worst time! I have a 2 year old daughter and i just left my abusive husband. Attitude is everything! We're good girl!

[Mandy6513 in reply to millerag75]

Ive done pulmonary rehab but had just been diagnosed so a lot of it went over my head but im doing another one soon.

Exercise is good but even better is that fact your out of an abusive relationship...WELL DONE x x

[evermore]

Hi Millerag, sorry I didn't connect your 2 posts or I would have known your diagnosis. I hope you can get to the docs soon and that you have a sample pot for the sputum.

Your GP is right to stress how important exercise is and as others have said please ask to go on a pulmonary rehab course. You will learn a lot and also meet others from your locality with lung disease, I found mine very beneficial 4 years ago and I still do the exercises I learned there at least three times a week.

Take care.